An entertaining, action-packed retelling of Arthurian legend.
A boy in Camelot embarks on a dangerous journey to retrieve a magical weapon in this debut YA fantasy.
Having just arrived in the kingdom of Camelot, where his father has become a blacksmith, 12-year-old Arty is thrilled to see King Uther Pendragon’s knights practicing in the arena. Though not of noble caste, Arty is determined to become a knight one day. He soon makes friends with other boys (as well as Guinevere, or Gwen) who share his ambition; a natural leader, Arty organizes training sessions for his crew and sets up a round table for planning strategy. When a fearsome dragon attacks Camelot, Sir Marcus Junius Brutus proves himself an impressive champion whom Arty hero-worships. Before long, though, Brutus morphs into his true form, the evil wizard Merlin, and claims Camelot’s throne. Breaking the orb on Merlin’s staff can defeat him but can only be done with an ancient magical weapon in an older witch’s keeping. Arty rallies his “small ragtag band of misfit knights” to brave the perilous Forest of the Forsaken on a quest that will test him in three difficult trials and reveal the truth of his birth. In his book, Jauregui pairs his legendary setting with contemporary dialogue (such as “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful, Percy”) and characterization. It’s a technique familiar from animated films like Disney’s Frozen (2013) but less common in novels, possibly jarring some readers. That said, the author deftly weaves traditional and unexpected elements together, as with scenes in the Lady of the Lake’s elaborate underwater palace. Several cinematically vivid, well-orchestrated action sequences also enliven the story, including a joust; attacks by creatures like death phantoms and lizard warriors; and a hammer-and-tongs battle with Merlin.
An entertaining, action-packed retelling of Arthurian legend.Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73-553068-0
Page Count: 244
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: June 6, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
